Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 large lemon (juiced and zested) - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The heart of this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish. They cook evenly and soak up the flavors well. The zesty lemon adds brightness. When you juice and zest the lemon, you get both tangy and fresh notes. The minced garlic provides a rich aroma. I always use fresh garlic for the best taste. Next, the herbs! Dried oregano and thyme work wonders. They add depth and warmth. Paprika brings a slight smokiness, enhancing the dish's overall flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. These are key to making every bite delicious. Low-sodium chicken broth is my go-to choice. It keeps the chicken moist and packed with flavor. For a pop of color, I love garnishing with fresh parsley. It makes the dish look as good as it tastes! Having these ingredients ready makes cooking easy. You can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending all day in the kitchen. - Season the chicken breasts Start with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and paprika to season them. Make sure to cover both sides evenly. This step adds a great base flavor. - Prepare the lemon-garlic marinade In a small bowl, mix together the juice and zest of 1 large lemon, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This mix will bring bright, bold flavors to your chicken. - Place chicken in the slow cooker Once seasoned, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This method helps to keep the chicken moist and tender as it cooks. - Add the marinade and broth Pour your lemon-garlic marinade over the chicken. Then, add 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth around the chicken. The broth adds moisture and depth to the dish. - Cooking on low vs. high You can cook your chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld better, while high cooks it faster. - How to check for doneness To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don't have one, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be opaque and juices should run clear. To get the best flavor, season your chicken well. Use salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Coat both sides evenly for great taste. Different slow cookers may cook at different speeds. If yours cooks fast, check the chicken at 5 hours on low. Marinating the chicken for at least an hour makes a big difference. It allows the lemon and garlic flavors to sink in. After cooking, don't waste the broth! It’s packed with flavor. Use it to drizzle over your chicken or as a base for a sauce. To shred the chicken, use two forks. Pull the meat apart gently for nice, tender shreds. If you prefer serving the chicken whole, let it rest after cooking. This keeps it juicy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can use different proteins in this recipe. Chicken thighs are a great choice. They add rich flavor and remain juicy. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Make sure to press it well to remove excess water. For herbs, you can swap oregano or thyme with rosemary or basil. These herbs add a nice twist to the dish. You can add vegetables for extra nutrition. Carrots and bell peppers work well. They cook nicely and soak up the lemon flavor. You can also try green beans or zucchini. Want more flavor? Add capers or olives for a briny kick. Mushrooms are another great choice. They add depth and texture to the dish. Serve this chicken with rice or quinoa for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes also pair well, creating a comforting dish. For something lighter, try a fresh salad. Dress it with a lemon vinaigrette to match the chicken. If you want a sauce, a yogurt dip or garlic aioli can enhance the flavors. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and taste! You can store the Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work well. This helps prevent any smells from mixing with other foods. To freeze the chicken, first let it cool completely. Place the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. You can use this dish in many meals throughout the week. Shred the chicken and add it to salads, wraps, or rice bowls. Pair it with veggies for a balanced meal. When reheating, add a little broth or water to keep it juicy. This dish makes meal prep easy and delicious! Can I cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker? No, you should not cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker. It is best to thaw chicken first. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking. For safety, always start with fresh or thawed chicken. How do I adjust cooking times for bone-in chicken? If you use bone-in chicken, increase the cooking time. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Always check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. What drinks go well with lemon chicken? Lemon chicken pairs well with white wine or iced tea. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances the lemon flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon. How to balance flavors with side dishes? Serve lemon chicken with light and fresh sides. Roasted vegetables or a salad work great. Rice or quinoa can soak up the tasty sauce too. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. All the ingredients used, like chicken and herbs, do not contain gluten. Always check your broth for gluten if using store-bought. Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. You do not need any dairy products to make this dish. Enjoy it without worrying about dairy allergies. This blog post covered a simple and tasty lemon garlic chicken recipe made in a slow cooker. We explored the main ingredients needed, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for achieving the best results. Don’t forget about variations, storage info, and FAQs that can help you tailor the dish to your needs. With these ideas, you can create delicious meals with ease. Try it out and enjoy the flavors!

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Discover the mouthwatering recipe for Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken that's both easy and delicious! With just a few ingredients like chicken breasts, fresh lemon, and aromatic garlic, this dish cooks to perfection while you go about your day. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe guarantees tender and flavorful chicken. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 large lemon (juiced and zested)

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly on both sides.

    In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and olive oil. This will be your marinade.

      Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the top.

        Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker around the chicken. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.

          Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

            Once done, remove the chicken breasts and let them rest for a few minutes. You can also shred the chicken if you prefer.

              If desired, strain the broth and reduce it in a saucepan on the stove for a thicker sauce.

                Serve the chicken garnished with fresh parsley, and drizzle with the broth sauce if using. Enjoy!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-7 hours | Servings: 4